Two days of activites at thresher show

If you can remember working on early threshing machines you are older than most citizens of Kiowa County.

The good old days are fondly remembered by most folks, but harvesting was a lot more than a little chore in those days — it was hard work!

If you missed out on the good old days you will have an opportunity to live or relive some of those experiences at the 49th Annual Southwest Kansas Antique Engine & Thresher Show held at Haviland on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24 for free, thanks to the generosity of sponsoring businesses. The event will be located at 502 E. Walnut in Haviland (the Konkel homestead).

This event was originally started at Joyland in Wichita, according to one source and was moved to Haviland in 1965.

Among the original organizers of the event were Howard Ellis, Lloyd Fankhauser, Bill Arnett, Frank Schmidt and the only two original organizers still alive, according to Dan Woods, Lloyd Schmidt and Dean Chenoweth.

The event was originally held at the school grounds in Haviland but was moved to the Konkel homestead in the early 1980s when it was donated to the project.

The old farmhouse and original barn are still standing on the property.

There are a variety of activities planned for the young and young in heart during the two-day event.

There will also be a flea market for spectators to browse through during the day.

For more information contact Bob at 620-723-2770.

Friday's events not only include the outside exhibits and events but also include an auction at 3 p.m. and a bean feed at 5:30 p.m.

This is the first year in 27 years there will be a new cook for this event.

Cook Joe Heath, Florence, passed away last year.

A tank of corn coin search will be provided all day, both days, for the youngsters attending the events.

Saturday's events not only include the outside exhibits and events but also include a Main Street parade at 10 a.m. (line-up time - 9:30 a.m.), pedal pull (santioned by Kiowa County Farm Bureau) and an egg toss and tug-o-war for the kids at 2 p.m. Tractor games are scheduled at 4 p.m. for the kids to enjoy and the families to watch.

For more information contact Jon at 620-546-4834, or Troy at 620-388-4036.

Exhibits inside the house include quilting, arts and crafts and various collections. Climb the beautiful wood-crafted stairway to view the second floor displays.

Camper hookup are available and meals are available on the grounds both days.

Page 2 of 2 - For more information contact Dan Woods at 620-770-0498 or Andy Kimble at 620-408-5600.